Boulder County judge sets bond at $5,000

BOULDER -- A 17-year-old Niwot High School student was arrested Tuesday evening on suspicion of making a "hit list" that implied a bomb threat, according to the Boulder County Sheriff's Office.

Boulder County Sheriff's Office Cmdr. Rick Brough said tips and physical evidence led to the Longmont-area boy's arrest. Brough said the boy is specifically suspected of creating a "hit list" that was discovered in the school on Thursday. Brough said the list included 22 names.

"There was a reference to a bomb in the note with the list on it," Brough said.

The youth, whose name is not being released because he is a juvenile, is suspected of false reporting of explosives, a Class 6 felony, according to a sheriff's office news release. He's also suspected of interfering with the staff, faculty or students of an educational institution, a Class 1 misdemeanor.

He appeared in Boulder Juvenile Court on Wednesday afternoon wearing green detention center scrubs with his hands cuffed and secured to his waist and his ankles shackled. Boulder County Judge Ingrid Bakke set his bond at $5,000, although a public defender argued that he should be released on a personal recognizance bond because he has no criminal history, no previous contact with police, and a good record of behavior and grades at Niwot High School. The attorney also noted that the boy is a wrestler at the school, but he has been suspended and faces an expulsion hearing later this week.

Prosecutor Peggy Jessel said the higher bond is appropriate.

"At this point we don't even have a risk assessment for these very serious threats," she said.

The boys parents attended the hearing with him and a Spanish interpreter stood behind them and translated the hearing. His mother briefly spoke to the judge.

"We would like him to come home," she said. "We love him a lot ... He didn't do it so we have got to prove he didn't do it."

She added that he is respectful, follows the rules of his home, has volunteered with the Special Olympics since he was 6, and has a job.

Bakke also issued a restraining order against him listing the school and all 22 students on the list found in the school and ordered a psychological evaluation. She said she also would like to know what his school plans will be given the suspension and expulsion hearing.

He is scheduled to return to court on Friday for filing of charges.

"Hopefully there will be some additional information," Bakke said.

On Monday, Jan. 7, a Niwot High School employee reportedly found a threatening note written on a school restroom stall's wall and reported the incident to the sheriff's office. Brough said the boy is not yet suspected of the bathroom stall threat, but is suspected of creating the "hit list."

"He was basically arrested for the list," Brough said.

The two incidents prompted the cancellation of classes at the school on Friday so law enforcement could search the building for explosives. Nothing was found and classes resumed on Monday.

The arrest does not conclude the investigation, which is ongoing.

The sheriff's office said it had received multiple tips from the public about the bomb threat and the letter with the list of names. Information gleaned from those types and physical evidence found at the school led to the identification of the suspect.

Investigation into the incidents is continuing, and the sheriff's office is asking that anyone with information contact Detective Randy Wilber at 303-441-3673 or contact Northern Colorado Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or email nococrimestoppers.com. Tips may be eligible for a cash reward.

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